Hiking on Dangerous Trails

  When you hike out of the woods and there are no longer rooted trees and plants, it is because you are on ground that can not support life - either sand or rock. And, since sand is just rock that has been pulverized, its all rock and hiking on it safely requires special concerns to keep in mind.

Sand Hiking

  If you've ever walked on the beach, you've felt the sand give way with every step you take. When you walk on wet sand that is packed, the going is much easier than on dry, soft sand. When the sand is piled and you are hiking up or across it, every step sinks or slips back making the going slow and more dangerous. Risks of stumbling, twisting your ankle, or causing a sandslide increase as the slope gets steeper and you get more tired. So, go slow, carefully place each step, and look for more stable ground.

Scree Hiking

  Scree is bits of broken rock piled up at the base of a cliff. In the mountains, daily heating and freezing of moisture on the solid rock causes it to slowly break the rock apart and tumble down. A scree slope will pile up to its steepest possible angle. Depending on the size and shape of the rock chunks, that angle may be shallow or steep. Any additional rock that falls on the slope will roll down until it finds a resting place or hits the bottom. The same is true for your foot! When you step onto a slope of loose rock, just like sand, it will give way under the weight until the material under it settles with the new weight. This may be 1/32 of an inch or it may be a few inches. In some cases, you may be sliding down the slope along with a couple tons of rock, all looking for stable places to rest.
Established trails across scree tend to be packed indentations where many people have helped push the rock down a bit until there is a slightly wider path across the face of the slope. Scree trails can't have very steep inclines so they typically run straight across or a slight rise. It is very important to remain on the trail and watch your step. I'm not kidding when I say that you can find yourself 100 yards downhill with 1 to 5 pound rocks bouncing all around you from just one mis-step.
Screeing is a fun, very dangerous tactic of quickly descending a scree slope. If the scree is small enough and deep enough, you can kind of ski down it in your boots. You are actually creating a mini-rockslide and riding it down. Make sure there are no larger rocks to trip you up and no one below you. And, there's a good chance you will take a tumble, so doing it only on grape or orange sized scree rather than cantelope and watermelon sized scree is a good idea.

Talus Hiking

  Talus is really what scree is. People just tend to call smaller bits of rock Scree and bigger stuff Talus. Really big Talus is called Boulders. It's all the stuff that has broken off of mountains and piled up. Depending on the composition of the original rock, the pieces of talus will be tiny, huge, or somewhere in between. Don't tell anyone, but this is really my very favorite kind of hiking. It can be very dangerous and takes a lot of effort, but when things are just right, you feel just like a wild mountain goat scampering wherever you want to go. Boulder hopping is when you step or hop from one boulder to the next in a large field of talus. In good hiking boots with grippy rubber soles, on dry rocks this is fun. Instead of working your way between big rocks, you are stepping on the tops of them. Besides, I get scared when I'm standing between two big rocks - I feel like an ant between the finger and thumb of my son. :-()
After practice and you are sure of your strength, balance, and ability, you can practically dance down a boulder field. Know where you are landing and have the next couple of steps already planned ahead. I usually hop back and forth when descending a steeper field because the change in direction helps slow me down - its kind of like turning on skis to slow down.

Cautions on Rock of All Sizes

• It's easy to miss a step. Twisted ankles, scraped shins, broken bones are all things to consider. If you are going to boulder hop, think ahead about how you will get out with a broken leg. If you don't think you can, then you should find a different trail or go slowly and carefully.
• Don't even try rock hopping if it is raining, or your boots are wet, or its cold enough for ice. Any slippery surface will be disastrous.
• It will take a long, long time to cover a mile. Reduce your distance expectations if part of your trail is on loose scree or talus.
• Chances of slips and failing rock are greater on the descent than the ascent. You are hitting with much more force coming downhill.
• Don't hike up a slope at a steep angle. Go across in a switchback style. This gives the rock a better chance to accept your extra weight and keeps the person behind you out of your 'rock schadow' - that danger area where you will kick loose rocks.
• If you kick loose some rocks, yell "Rock!". If you hear someone above you yell "Rock!", crouch down and cover your head. It's not cool to yell "Rock!" as a joke - kind of like yelling "Fire!" in a theatre.
• Stay completely focused on where you are putting your feet. Checking out the scenery should only be done when you stop to rest.
• Use hiking poles for more support on loose rock. If yours have metal tips, they may be more dangerous if you are stepping from rock to rock.

Hiking Benefits

Sure you know that hiking is good exercise and its a great way to get in touch with nature, but there's just a ton of other benefits to hiking. When you go on a hiking tour, you help make the world a better place!

• Weight Loss

   - Hiking is a super way to lose excess pounds. Obesity is now an epidemic in the United States according to the surgeon general - that's bad! 64% of adults are overweight and more than 30% are considered obese. Our sedentary lives, stuck in offices, in front of computers, surfing this miserable internet is killing us off. Move your body, burn off some calories, and lose weight.

• Prevent Heart Disease

   - Over 2500 Americans die every day from cardiovascular diseases. While you've read this far, someone died and by the time you read this entire page 5 more will be dead. A regular walking routine greatly reduces your chances of heart problems. Study after study after study show that regular, light exercise increases your odds immensely.

• Decrease Cholesterol

   - Hiking and walking increase the HDL good cholesterol which helps get rid of the bad cholesterol. This in turn reduces your chances of heart problems.

• Lower Blood Pressure

   - Going on a short hike of 30 minutes every other day is all it takes. Lower blood pressure means better overall health.

• Reduce Stress and Depression

   - Your body's natural drugs like endorphins and adrenaline are released when hiking and these chemicals have a natural positive effect on your stress levels.

• Stronger Longer

   - As you age, you do not need to experience a decline in physical activity. By staying active, your muscles stay strong. As you get older, your body will weaken, but regular hiking helps minimize that.

• Prevent Osteoporosis

   - Hiking helps increase bone density and strength, helping prevent the calcium loss and chance of broken bones from this disease.

• Better Air

   - Hiking to church, the store, school, or a local restaurant reduces the pollution from your car which makes the air better for everyone.

• Prevent Diabetes

   - Hiking can reduce the amount of insulin a Type I diabetic. A Type II diabetic can reverse the course of the diabetes with exercise, diet, and weight loss.

• Improve Arthritis

   - A regular exercise program can benefit most people that have been diagnosed with and treated for arthritis. Walking may be the best exercise as it strengthens muscles and improves support.

• Relief from Back Pain

   - Sitting at a computer or desk too long can cause back pain. People that walk commonly report significant decreases in back pain. Hiking puts much less stress on your body than running or aerobics and helps build core body strength.

• All Body Exercise

   - Hiking is an aerobic exercise that improves overall physical fitness, using leg muscles, core body muscles, and lungs. You set the pace and length that is a comfortable challenge for your body.

• Experience Nature

   - Hikers explore natural settings that can only be reached on foot, leaving the hectic urban life and pollution behind for awhile.

• Self Confidence

   - As more advanced hikes are completed, a hiker understands that he is capable of even larger feats. Making your way through foul weather or rugged terrain builds your confidence in what you can do.

• Basis of Much More

   - By mastering hiking skills, you expand your horizons to mountaineering, backpacking, rock climbing and other outdoor wilderness activities.

• Year Round

   - You can continue to hike any time of the year. It is a great activity that can be done in all seasons so a single hiking tour can have many different looks as the seasons change.

• Escape and Refreshment

   - the psychological effects of spending time in natural surroundings is positive and strong. Time spent on the trail will renew you for better performance in your job and life back in the real world.

Getting Started in Road Biking

Bikes are meant to be… simple, right? Just throw on a helmet and push the pedals… right? This simplicity comes to a halt after you’ve outgrown your childhood bike or that old college fixed gear. If you’re ready to upgrade and looking to ride for fitness or for distance, a road biking setup can be a bit more complicated—but factor in the speed, the efficiency, and the mileage opportunity, and it’s all the more rewarding.

In addition to being a choice fitness activity for those with joint pain or those recovering from high-impact sports injuries, cycling is a lifelong activity that can benefit people of all ages. It’s an efficient means of travel; there are hundreds of paved miles crisscrossing the Front Range alone that serve up prime road biking opportunities with a side of stellar Colorado views. Here’s how to shift your road biking setup into high gear.

Gear

There can be a lot of gear to sort through when setting up your road bike–and it can all add up quickly. To begin, stick with the basics so you’re not tempted to compromise quality for price. As you grow into the sport, you’ll develop a better idea of where you want your road biking to take you, and how best to supplement and swap out your gear.

1. Frame

The goal of any frame is to balance strength with weight. Ideally, you want a strong machine, but a lightweight one that is easy to use. When buying a frame, the two most important aspects to consider are material and size. Most bikes will come in aluminum or carbon. The biggest difference here will generally be price—aluminum can be cheaper, while carbon will be a bit pricier; both are good beginner options.
As for fit, you want to measure the inches between your ankle to your inseam. Bike frames usually come in extra small to extra large, and will fit a range of heights according to this measurement. Bikes also come in different versions for men and women, so be sure to try a variety a frames to ensure you’re getting the best fit.
You also want to look for the ability to upgrade. If you buy the more basic version of a bike now, can you later exchange or add on more advanced mechanical systems or features to the frame? Some good road bikes to try are the Cannondale Synapse AL Sora or the Giant Defy 3.

2. Pedals

Most road biking bikes won’t come with pedals. You’ll have a choice between platform, clip-less, and clip-in to add on your bike. For now, stick to the basic platform pedals until you’re ready to invest in special cycling shoes and committed to riding a least a couple days a week. Try something like the EVO Adventure Trekking Pedals to start, and later you can always swap them out for a clipless pedal upgrade.

3. Water Bottle Cage

Especially in arid Colorado, hydration is key on long road rides. Buy a simple cage to hold your bottle so you’re never far from your next sip. Don’t splurge here, try: Planet Bike PB Water Bottle Cage.

4. Lubricant

You want to keep your machine oiled and working well, so specialists recommend cleaning and lubricating the chains on a biweekly basis for those that aren’t necessarily riding everyday. As you ride more consistently, you’ll want to clean and lubricate about once every 7-10 days. Again, no need to get fancy here: Finish Line Dry Lube 2.

5. Bike Lock

The last thing you want to is to finish a big ride at your favorite brewery, rehydrate, and then walk out to find your bike missing. Invest in something good, but not too heavy, for example: Kryptonite KryptoFlex 1018 Cable Lock.
 

Trail Etiquette

It’s my favorite time of year in Colorado- trees are turning from soft pink to vibrant green, festivals and farmer’s markets are lining the streets on weekends, and the warm sunshine is beginning to melt snow away from my favorite alpine hiking trails. Like many Coloradans, reaching the summit of the state’s 53 majestic 14,000-foot peaks is high on my bucket list. With more people than ever getting out and exploring Colorado’s 14ers, it’s important that everyone is practicing the correct trail etiquette and is aware of how to properly share the trail. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker in need of a refresher or are new to the outdoor scene, below are some of the ‘common laws’ of the trail. Follow the guidelines and share them with your fellow outdoor companions on the trail this season.

1. HIKERS RIGHT OF WAY

Right of way on the trail. Photo Credit: BWJones Hikers going up-trail have the right of way over other hikers. Be courteous, and don’t break the rhythm of uphill hikers.  

2. BIKERS ON TRAIL

Technically, mountain bikers are supposed to yield for hikers. It’s often easier for hikers to step out of the way though. That said, bikers need to be cautious when riding fast down the trail, making sharp turns and should never expect hikers to move over.

3. LIVESTOCK 

Horses and other livestock, which can often be unpredictable, always have the right of way. Step aside and try not to make any sudden movements or noises that could spook the animals.

4. GROUP SIZE 

Limit the size of your group. In Colorado, most trails allow no more than 15 people per group.

5. LEAVE NO TRACE 

Pack it in, pack it out. Simply put, everything that you start the hike with should return with you.
Bonus Points: If you find trash, take it with you.
Extra Bonus Points: Bring waste bags to dispose of your and your pet’s waste. Otherwise, follow Leave No Trace guidelines for appropriately burying your solid waste at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.

6. MUSIC 

Your music is not everyone else’s music. Everyone has his or her own reasons for being out in Mother Nature. For some, that reason is enjoying the peace and solitude. Be respectful and wear headphones if you want to listen to music. Note: If you do choose to listen to music on the trail, it’s best to use earbuds. Keep one ear bud out so you can hear oncoming hikers, bikers or equestrians as well as approaching wildlife.

7. TRAIL ALIGNMENT 

Always stay on the right hand side of the trail, pass on the left, and walk single-file when in a group.

8. TRAIL PRESERVATION 

Trail crews, several organizations and volunteers work hard to maintain Colorado’s trails. Do your part to preserve the trails and gentle ecosystems around them by staying on them. Do not cut corners, switchbacks or make your own shortcuts.

9. PET OWNERS 

Pet owners need to be aware of what trail restrictions are in place for their pets ahead of time. While Colorado has several dog-friendly trails and parks, many are leash-only or do not allow pets at all.

10. TRAIL COURTESY 

Happy hikers up to Blue Lake. Photo Credit: joshgray

When you pass by another hiker, look up, make eye contact, maybe smile and start up a little conversation. Ie. “Hello! Good morning!” “What are the trail conditions like up ahead?” “Keep up the good work, almost there!”
Not because you have to, but because that’s just what we do here in Colorado. 

6 things To Know about Colorado Mountain Climbing

1. Altitude sickness is a very real thing.

The higher above sea-level one gets, the less oxygen there is in the air. This can lead to a serious condition called “altitude sickness.” In its mildest form, altitude sickness tends to feel like a bad hangover. It will make you dizzy, lightheaded, and achy. In it’s most serious form, altitude sickness can lead to passing out and even death. This condition can effect anyone, regardless of physical fitness, and it tends to be more prevalent when someone is physically active at a high altitude. Most sources pinpoint 8,000 feet as the elevation where symptoms start to show, but this can vary from person to person. A few tactics to help prevent altitude sickness include acclimation (letting your body get used to the higher altitude), drinking plenty of water and consuming mostly carbs, as well as breathing deeper, thus giving your body more oxygen (some even suggested a portable oxygen tank). Most importantly, know the initial signs of altitude sickness and move to a lower elevation immediately when they start to develop. Want to learn more about altitude sickness? Click here.

2. All mountains aren’t created equally.

Some mountains are much harder to climb than others. When you’re trying to summit a peak, be aware of the route you’ll be taking, planning ahead to know what it will require. Never underestimate a climb, even if you’ve heard something along the lines of “it’s not that bad.” One website that can be helpful with Colorado fourteeners is 14ers.com, which even has a list ranking the difficulty of all fourteener summits in the state. Some mountains require years of training to tackle and many require technical climbing where a single mistake can mean death. Study the mountain you’re wanting to climb. Be aware of it’s features and be aware of whether or not climbing it is within your skill level. A few Colorado fourteeners that can be good for beginners include Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, Mount Sherman, and Quandary Peak, but even these “easier” mountains can be deadly.

3. Bad weather can kill you.

One of the biggest mistakes that beginners tend to make is not understanding how high-altitude weather works. The general rule of thumb tends to be “be back below treeline before noon,” with the reason being that intense mountain storms tend to roll in like clockwork after that. At first sign of bad weather, the smartest decision is often to turn back, even when that means you might not bag a summit. Lightning, wind, and freezing rain can kill you and many times these storms can appear with little notice. Take this point especially seriously. Mountain weather is not something to mess around with, regardless of your skill level.

4. Don’t overestimate your abilities.

Yes, you’ve hiked a trail that’s 10 miles long…but that wasn’t a rugged trek above treeline. Yes, you can run a half-marathon with ease…but that half marathon doesn’t require slow scrambling over loose rocks where speed simply isn’t an option. When you’re climbing a Colorado mountain, expect some of the hardest terrain you’ll ever encounter. There might be snow, ice, and loose rock that makes moving even just a mile per hour seem fast. The only way to know how you’ll do climbing in these conditions is to try it on the easiest possible scale and then go from there. Getting in over your head on a mountain climb can result in serious injury, necessity of an expensive rescue, or even death. Be aware of your own abilities and don’t overestimate what you’re capable of doing.

5. Always leave no trace.

Mountain trails are often very remote and difficult to clean. Never leave anything behind, whether it’s a banana peel, leftover food, trash, or feces. Because these ecosystems are relatively untouched, any abnormality can have an impact. Follow the Leave No Trace principles religiously and consider bringing along a trash bag to clean up after those that don’t.

6. Plan for the worst.

When you’re climbing a mountain, preparation is key. When things go wrong, preparation can save your life. Bring food, water, and survival tools with you. Tell people where you’re going and when you’ll be back before you leave. Familiarize yourself with features of the landscape so that you might still be able to determine direction when all else fails. Here’s a list of 13 survival tips that we put together with the help of a helicopter rescue service. The mountains aren’t the place to take caution lightly. If you’re careless, you might not get a second chance.

Navigating a Hike

  Seriously, if you don't know how to read a topographic trail map and use a compass, then don't go hiking. Seriously. Having someone in your group that knows how to use them is not good enough. You'll get separated from him and then you'll be in big trouble.
You really should learn How to Use a Compass - its a good tutorial describing maps, compasses, declination, topography, and more.

Stay On Course

  On many frontcountry hiking routes, such as state parks and nature centers, all you need is a simple trail map of the area. It's only a few miles on a well-traveled route so your chances of getting lost or injured are pretty slim. But, even there, a thunder storm, accident, or recent trail damage may force you to take a detour and lose the trail. On backcountry treks, understanding a topo map will help you plan where the more difficult steep ascents are and where you will have nice views from high ridgelines or be stuck in a gully with no view but the trail ahead. By reading a topo map at home, you can visualize what the terrain looks like even before you ever see it. You'll know the name of a high mountain in the distance and more importantly know it is East from where you are hiking in case you become disoriented.
Your compass is the other half of the navigating toolset that you need to bring. In some areas with enough visual landmarks, you can do just fine with a map alone. A compass alone can keep you heading in a certain direction, but you don't know what you are heading towards. For all areas, a map and compass together can get you home along the safest of routes. Using your compass to orient yourself and your map and then identifying objects on the map in your real world will keep you going the right direction.
Global Positioning Systems are very common now. Unfortunately, some people think they are magical devices that keep people from getting lost - Nope! They are useful tools, but you still need to know how to use your specific model and you need a trail map. And, if they run out of batteries, get wet, or break, then it would be a good idea to have a compass as a back-up.

Hiking First Aid

  Major injuries from hiking are rare. Walking doesn't tend to break bones or kill people. But, there are a whole bunch of smaller injuries and ailments that can make your day miserable. Being ready for the majority of them will make your trips more enjoyable and may help someone else that was not prepared.

First Aid Guidelines

  If a member of your hiking party is injured, you need to follow three guidelines. The highest priority is first, followed in order by the other two:

• Stay Alive - yourself, others, and the victim. Especially yourself. If you are unable to help, then no one gets out alive.
• Stabilize Injury - stop the injury from doing further damage to the victim. Stop bleeding, remove them from the cause.
• Start Recovery - make the victim better. Fix the injury or ailment as much as possible.

You always have to keep yourself safe. Then, you need to ensure the survival of everyone else. This means getting the group to warmer shelter if one person is becoming hypothermic rather than having everyone stop to help that one person. This means running out of the way of a rockslide rather than jumping into it to save someone falling. If someone is injured or sick, you need to check that every action you are taking follows one of the three guidelines. If it does not, then it is probably not a necessary action.

Prevention

  It is so much easier to provide first aid by preventing the need for it in the first place. Easily the biggest hazard for hikers is the environment - changes in weather or ill-prepared hikers get into the most trouble. Make sure everyone in your group has the necessary abilities to successfully complete the planned hike. Make sure they have proper clothing, plenty of water, and extra food. Everyone should have a small personal first aid kit and there should be one more complete kit for the group. There are pages discussing specific preparation for hiking at altitude, hiking in heat, and hiking in cold that you should read.
Before you go hiking in a new area, find out about poisonous plants, snakes, insects, dangerous animals, and other possible hazards.

First Aid Kit

  You can easily buy a ready-made first aid kit and there are some very good ones available through the links over on the right.
You may be able to save space by making your own, or by replacing some parts of a purchased kit. It is important that you know the purpose of and how to use every item in your kit - otherwise it's just extra weight.
You won't have much time to read a manual while administering to an injury. Taking wilderness first aid training should be a personal goal before heading into the wilds. "Medicine for the Backcountry" by B. Tilton has a good reputation for providing helpful first aid information. If you are going into the backcountry, its a good idea to have a small first aid pocket guide along. There are quite a few available, most with help on diagnosing and treating ills and injuries. Wilderness Medical Institute in Colorado offers classes around the country but there are other organizations too.
Inspect your kit before every outing and make sure the gear is clean and supplies are in good condition. Replace expired medications and add items that would have been helpful on your last trip. Be sure the kit is easily accessible and everyone in the group knows who has it.

 

However you decide to go, the following is a list of items commonly agreed on as being essential for a first aid kit:

• Waterproof container - a strong zip-loc bag or plastic-lined kit bag. If it isn't waterproof, it will be a mess.
• nitrile exam gloves
• CPR face shield
• Bandages:
  • Elastic roll bandage
  • Adhesive tape
  • Adhesive bandages, assorted sizes
  • Butterfly bandages
  • Gauze pads
  • Triangular bandage
  • New Skin in small plastic bottle; cuts, abrasions
  • Moleskin and molefoam; blisters, irritation
• Consumable Items:
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Antiseptic ointment
  • Chemical heat and cold packs
  • Cotton swabs
  • Dry-wash pads or wipes
• Other Gear:
  • Mirror, small and unbreakable
  • Safety pins
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Bulb irrigating syringe
• Drugs:
  • Antacid
  • Antibiotic (Dicloxacillin, etc.); skin infections
  • Antihistamine (Benadryl, etc.); allergic reactions, insomnia
  • Anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen); inflammation, pain
  • Hydrocortisone cream (soothes allergic skin)
  • Potable Aqua; iodine water treatment